Patriots: Minor moves are addressing some needs

By Mark Daniels, @MarkDanielsPJ

Friday

Mar 15, 2019 at 5:14 PMMar 15, 2019 at 5:14 PM

The first few days of NFL free agency came and went as several teams made major moves. Top wide receiving talents Odell Beckham Jr. and Antonio Brown were traded. Teams forked over tens of millions of dollars for the likes of Le’Veon Bell, Trey Flowers, Landon Collins, Nick Foles and Trent Brown.

And then there were the Patriots.

Bill Belichick isn’t afraid of making a big move — the Patriots doled out a $65 million contract to cornerback Stephon Gilmore on the first day of free agency in 2017. That same year, they traded for Brandin Cooks. Of course, they also lost the Super Bowl that year, so maybe winning the offseason isn’t all that great, if not, overrated.

What the Patriots did this week is make several minor, methodical moves to fill in their depth chart. The names aren’t flashy, but the five free-agent signings Wednesday and Thursday make sense.

Of course, there’s still some work to do.

Heading into Friday, the Patriots technically are without a kicker or punter, as both Stephen Gostkowski and Ryan Allen remained unsigned. Gostkowski’s market has dwindled as Seattle signed Jason Myers, and the New York Jets inked Chandler Catanzaro. One team to watch is the Chicago Bears, who released Cody Parkey on Thursday.

If the Patriots don’t bring back Gostkowski, they’ll have a cringe-worthy list of free agent kickers to consider, but the team could also dip into the draft to fill the void. That’s unless they really like kickers such as Matt Bryant, Phil Dawson or Sebastian Janikowski.

Bringing back Allen always made sense — if the price is right. Of course, the Patriots did push him last summer by bringing in undrafted free agent Corey Bojorquez. The Patriots like the rookie enough to try to sneak him on their practice squad, but he was claimed by Buffalo.

Then there’s the receiver position. The Patriots made strong pushes for two slot receivers — Adam Humphries and Cole Beasley — but both signed elsewhere. The team showed interest in Golden Tate, but he’s bound for the New York Giants.

The Patriots brought back Phillip Dorsett and signed Bruce Ellington and Maurice Harris. Those names might not be recognizable, and they might not make the 53-man roster, but this wouldn’t be the first time the Patriots found an under-the-radar receiver.

Still, the Patriots could use some help on the offensive end. Receivers available include Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Chris Conley, Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant. Chris Hogan also remains unsigned.

With the versatile — kick returner, wide receiver, running back — Cordarrelle Patterson gone, the team could also use some kickoff returners. Ellington has experience, but hasn’t returned a kickoff since 2015. Cody Latimer, Corey Grant, Deonte Thompson, De’Anthony Thomas and Ty Montgomery all have recent kickoff experience.

The Patriots also need work done on the defensive line. They quickly acted by trading for three-time Pro Bowler Michael Bennett. He’ll help ease the loss of Flowers, but the team could use more help.

The Patriots also lost Malcom Brown, but signed Mike Pennel on Thursday. Pennel has been one of the better run-stuffing defensive tackles, so that’s a good move. On Friday, however, the team also released defensive end Adrian Clayborn, who was due $4 million.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Patriots added another veteran defensive tackle or edge rusher. They’re already linked to Allen Bailey, Bennie Logan and Darius Philon.

Then there’s the tackle position. The Patriots lost Brown but have Isaiah Wynn, who’s coming off an Achilles injury. What they need is more depth. Bringing back LaAdrian Waddle makes sense. They could also look for another veteran option or just wait until the draft.

On Thursday, the Patriots also added tight end Matt LaCosse. He may replace Dwayne Allen, who was released and signed by Miami. The Patriots also have been linked to veteran Jared Cook and several top prospects in April’s draft.

In typical Patriots fashion, the team signed two special teams players — old friend Brandon Bolden and former AFC East foe Terrence Brooks via the Jets. Considering the Patriots finished 26th in covering kickoffs and punts, the need for a special teams upgrade was there.

It’s not sexy to sign special teams players, but it’s the Patriot way.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.